Acer rubrum
Description: The Native Red Maple is a large tree that can reach heights of up to 100 feet and is known for its shade tolerance. Its impressive stature makes it a valuable addition to a variety of landscapes.
Twig/Bark: The bark of young trees is dark gray and smooth, transitioning as the tree matures into long, narrow plates that become moderately fissured, displaying narrow, flat, interlacing ridges. The slender twigs are shiny and range in color from red to brown, adorned with small lenticels that enhance their visual appeal.
Leaves: The leaves of the Native Red Maple are palmately lobed, featuring five triangular and serrated lobes. The upper surface is a vibrant green to dark green, while the lower surface typically exhibits a white-glaucous hue. In the fall, the foliage showcases stunning colors, transitioning to yellow-orange and red.
Flower/Fruit: In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the tree produces bright red to yellow flowers with 4 to 5 small petals. By summer, it bears fruit in the form of a bright red to brown samara, characterized by paired wings that form a distinctive V shape.
Habitat: The Native Red Maple thrives in a range of environments, including bottomland and riparian forests, mesic upland forests, bluffs, ditches, swamp margins, and along stream and river banks. Its adaptability to various soil and moisture conditions contributes to its prevalence in diverse habitats.